By Rod Benson
It seems that through good fortune, or good judgment, or perhaps a bit of both, the Australian economy has weathered the global financial crisis better than most. But what is the purpose of an economy? The Church of Scotland has just launched a Commission on the Purposes of Economic Activity, which will spend two years exploring the ethics of economic decision-making, in particular:
How can the church best offer a new vision of what might be achievable in economic, social and community life? How can the church become more engaged in transformative economics, linking values such as justice, cohesion and sustainability to economic success? How should we address inequality while ensuring that appropriate levels of choice are available to all?
These are good questions for faith communities to explore, in good times and bad. I hope Australian churches, and Australian Christians, will also take time to reflect on the links between faith, economics and ethics.
Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 30 May 2010.
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